Canada is one of the most welcoming countries in the world for newcomers, including permanent residents, international students, and foreign workers.
However, it can be overwhelming when you arrive at a Canadian airport for the first time. In this article, we will outline what to expect and what to do after you land in Canada.
What Happens When You Land at a Canadian Airport for the First Time?
a) Identity Check
Upon arrival, be prepared to go through an identity check. This means you will have to provide travel documents, such as your passport or visa, to a border services officer. You will also have to complete a biometrics screening which includes a digital photograph and fingerprints. This process helps the Canadian Government verify your identity and keep Canada safe. Learn more about biometrics screening and what to expect.[1]
Learn more about TD’s New to Canada Banking Package
b) Meeting Entry Requirements
Different entry requirements will apply based on whether you are a permanent resident, an international student, or a foreign worker.
If you are a permanent resident, you must have your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and permanent resident visa. Learn more about your entry requirements or how to confirm your permanent residency status.[2]
If you are an international student or foreign worker, you must have a valid study permit or valid work permit, a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), and any other documents required by the Canadian Government.[3]
Upon arrival, a border services officer will validate the documents pertaining to your status and ask some questions to ensure you meet all the admissibility requirements.
Important Things You Should Do Immediately After You Have Arrived in Canada
a) Apply for Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that the Canadian Government uses to identify individuals who work and pay taxes in Canada. As a newcomer to Canada, you should apply for a SIN as soon as possible, as you will need it to work, pay taxes, and access government benefits and services.[4]
To apply for a SIN, you must have a valid study or work permit or proof of your permanent resident status and be physically present in Canada. For more information on how to apply for a SIN, visit the Government of Canada’s website.[5]
b) Open a Bank Account
Opening a bank account in Canada is important to help manage your finances. You can open chequing or savings accounts with a Canadian financial institution and after applying can also get access to many other useful services, such as wire transfers, currency exchange, and debit and credit cards often at favourable rates and special discounts. As a newcomer, you may qualify for a special banking package like the TD New to Canada Banking Package or the TD International Student Banking Package.
The TD New to Canada Banking Package offers no monthly fee on chequing account for the first 12 months, no annual fee on a TD credit card for the first year (subject to approval), rebates on international money transfers – and much more – while the TD International Student Banking Package offers no monthly fee chequing account (while you are still a student), a no-fee credit card (subject to approval), a bonus interest rate on a savings account and much more.
Ready to bank? Learn more about TD’s New to Canada Banking Package today.
c) Apply for Government Health Insurance
Canada’s public healthcare system provides basic medical coverage to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. As a newcomer to Canada, you should apply for Government health insurance as soon as you qualify to help ensure you are covered for medical services. Each province and territory has its own healthcare system, so you should apply for health insurance in the province or territory where you plan to live.[6] Learn more about government health insurance eligibility and how to apply.
Find out more about what else you need to do upon arrival in Canada.
Arriving in Canada as a newcomer is an exciting time. Knowing what to expect and what to do can help make a smooth transition to your new life.
Why Choose TD?
150 years helping Canadians:
TD has a proud history of delivering financial solutions to Canadians for more than 150 years. TD also brings a century of experience helping newcomers navigate the unique challenges of the Canadian banking system.
With over a thousand branches, a reputation for excellence in financial services, and the ability to also serve you in more than 60 different languages, TD has become one of the largest and most trusted banks in Canada, now serving 16 million Canadians.
TD offers online support and resources of interest to newcomers on topics such as banking. basics, moving to Canada, credit score essentials, and more. TD is open longer hours for your convenience. TD has thousands of ATMs across Canada to help you take care of your everyday
banking quickly and easily.
Ready to Bank?
Learn more about TD’s New to Canada Banking Package today.
Book an appointment to talk with a TD Personal Banking Associate about the TD New to Canada Banking Package. You can book online right away, or visit the TD website to learn more.
Legal Disclaimer: Information provided by TD Bank Group and other sources in this article is believed to be accurate and reliable when placed on this site, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate or complete or current at all times. Information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide financial, legal, accounting or tax advice and should not be relied upon in that regard. This information is not to be construed as a solicitation to buy. Products and services of the TD Bank Group are only offered in jurisdictions where they may be lawfully offered for sale. All products and services are subject to the terms of the applicable agreement. The information in this article is subject to change without notice.
[1] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/facts.html
[2] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/application-approved.html
[3] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/arrive-in-canada.html
[4] https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin.html
[5] https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/qualify.html
[6] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/health-care.html#card